The Bowles Performing Arts Series at Bentley University presents the post-genocide Rwanda documentary film, Coexist, on Wednesday, March 23, at 5:00 p.m. in Wilder Pavilion on the Bentley campus in Waltham, Mass. Following the screening, at approximately 6:00 p.m., veteran journalist and filmmaker Adam Mazo will lead an interactive discussion about the emotional issues highlighted in the film, which examines Rwanda's precarious and sensitive experiment in building reconciliation in varied settings across the country. A suggested donation of $10 will be taken at the door. Proceeds will benefit REACH and the Rwanda Youth Healing Center.

Coexist explores the painful and personal stories of Rwandan genocide survivors as they are made to try to reconcile with perpetrators being released back into their communities.  There are no easy answers in this story and critics say that Coexist masterfully captures the nuance and complexity of the situation.

The filmmakers' goal is for Coexist to be used as a tool to foster understanding about how violence escalates, how it can be interrupted, and the potential each of us has to be victim, perpetrator, bystander, and upstander.

In a unique collaboration, Mazo developed this film with Coexist Learning Director Mishy Lesser through interaction with students and teens in schools and youth groups. The Coexist team screened the rough cut of the film for hundreds of young people who helped sharpen its message for greater clarity and impact. 

Coexist is an official selection of the 2010 Artivist Film Festival, screened at the historic Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, CA. The best photo opportunities for media will be before and after the screening until 7:00 p.m.

REACH is committed to advancing the safety, healing, and empowerment of those who experience domestic or relationship violence, through direct services and education while promoting social justice for individuals and families of all backgrounds.

The Rwanda Youth Healing Center provides Rwandan youth with the support they need to heal from the psychological wounds of genocide so that they may lead productive, healthy lives.